"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

Back and Even Better

Ugh! Again last night I couldn’t get to sleep. Finally around two o’clock I just accepted it wasn’t in the cards and got up. I made myself a cup of coffee and did some work on the website.

There is a lot on my mind with the civil case against Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May. Every time I try not to think about it I’m only successful for a minute or two. I’m not even sure it takes that long because every thought rolls into it so effortlessly. I catch myself again playing out all the scenarios. It’s like a broken record that skips on whatever track (i.e., scenario) I’m on. I am intent on breaking the cycle.

It all really boils down to just one question. Will Ryan be denied his known and expressed beliefs, values, wishes, and desires? Only time will tell. I estimate that, for good or bad, the end of the month will bring that knowledge. In the meantime I’m required to get some information together and I’m making great progress on that. Really, I’m just waiting to hear back from people.

Poor Ryan, though. I had him up and working out before five o’clock. I love getting a jump on the day… . no doubt about that. Ryan doesn’t seem to mind it either. This is certainly lining-up as a productive one too.

Getting back to the work I did on the website overnight. You will now notice a new menu option (rightmost option on the menu bar above) that is titled “Guest Post” and it has two options under it:

It is fully functional… I think. I tested it myself and it worked, but I’ll declare success when it works for someone else. Other than this, it’s just a matter of making it look prettier.

It is clear, as the readers said, that these Guest Posts are much appreciated and enjoyed. I love them too! So far they have been insanely good. Tomorrow’s will be no different. Here’s a teaser from post Ryan and the Self-Proclaimed “Weird” Kid, by Joshua Groff (May 11, 2013).

I’m sure there were many people that thought I was the “weird” kid. In all reality maybe that is the case. Despite my struggles to really find a group or transition away from my ignorance was one person that made a remarkable impact on my life. That was and continues to be your son, Ryan. Ryan recognized me for who I was. A down to earth young man who was struggling after losing his best friend and was struggling adjusting to a culture that was completely different than anything he has ever experienced. Your son realized that both he and I had one thing in common and that was our principles and beliefs. Ryan took time out of his life to make an impact on mine by getting to know me and by being my friend. I am forever grateful for how your son treated me and for the impact that he made on my life.

Just as any parent, I love hearing about the good in my children. Sure, I know they are high-quality people but it’s nice to hear it from others who knew him. Like tomorrow’s, it still takes me pleasantly by surprise.

[via four perspective.blogspot.com]

I’m also noticing that many of the younger adults are starting to reconnect. It makes sense too because they are at a time in their lives where they are transitioning from college to the working world. Priorities are shifting. They are getting a better appreciation for the circumstances now that they begin to think of finding the right person and starting a family. Hey, even just the change of environment is enough to cause reflection.

Some apologize, saying they just don’t know why they didn’t reach out. Please know, that’s okay. I understand that you needed to focus on yourself during this time. Truth is, it’s exactly when you should have done. You did nothing that requires an apology to my family.

Comments

We look forward to hearing more from all the young people connected to your family, and there are so many. Also looking forward to your getting the civil case behind you and a decent night’s sleep soon. Praying for a just outcome for Ryan <3

” Will Ryan be denied his known and expressed beliefs, values, wishes, and desires? Only time will tell.”

Whoa, what?! I can’t imagine any ethical institution endeavoring to deny or minmize Ryan’s rights in any way. I sincerely hope this never happens! Should it happen, though, all of us need to be concerned, so please keep us updated about this. I would like to believe that no institution whose business it is to ensure Ryan receives every advantage and opportunity possible would deny him this!! It frightens me to even think about it.

Back to something more positive, it’s absolutely awesome that Ryan’s friends are getting back in touch!!! Ryan will love seeing them : )

Wishing you and your family a good weekend, and I sure hope you’re able to get some sleep!
Sending you hugs, love, ongoing prayers and hope always
Paula

Ken ,Looking forward to reading Joshua’s post and so glad Ryan’s friends are stopping by.
Hope you get some sleep and praying for nothing but a good outcome and end to these terrible
legal hassles. Ryan deserves it!!!! And so do you all!
love Gail